The United States is set to reduce the number of its embassies and consulates across Africa that process visa applications.
According to reports citing US officials and an internal State Department memorandum, Washington plans to streamline its visa operations on the continent by reducing the current network of nearly 50 visa-processing missions to just 20 designated hubs.
The directive was reportedly communicated to American diplomats, including consular chiefs serving across Africa, during a conference call held last Friday.
The decision was approved by Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State, according to officials familiar with the matter and the contents of the memo.
The restructuring, expected to take effect later this month, marks one of the most significant changes to US consular operations in Africa in recent years and comes amid broader efforts by the administration of Donald Trump to tighten immigration controls and reduce government spending abroad.
